September 2026 Community Spotlight: Craig Johnson

The Champion of Belonging | Transforming Faith Communities Through Inclusion

A Father’s Journey That Became a Mission to Create Belonging

For Craig Johnson, his journey into serving the autism and special needs community began with his own family.

When his son, Connor, was diagnosed with autism as a young boy, Craig’s understanding of the world began to change. Through Connor, he came to understand the unique challenges families with special needs can experience—but he also discovered something equally important: the incredible gifts, talents, abilities, and potential that exist within every person.

Connor taught his father that every individual has value, purpose, and something meaningful to contribute—something the world needs.

That lesson became the foundation for Craig’s work.

Recognizing a Need Within the Church

As Craig listened to families and witnessed their experiences, he recognized that many wanted to be active members of their church communities but often encountered barriers that made participation difficult.

Some families did not know where to find support. Others had experienced situations where their children could not be adequately accommodated.

Craig became convinced that the church should be a place where every family feels welcomed, loved, supported, and valued.

That conviction helped lead to the creation of Champions Club at Lakewood Church.

What began as an effort to serve families within one community grew into a ministry focused on helping churches around the world create meaningful environments where children, teens, and adults with special needs can learn, grow, participate, and thrive.

Through Champions Club, churches are equipped with practical training, curriculum, resources, and support designed to help them better serve individuals with special needs and their families.

More Than Accommodation—A Culture of Belonging

Craig’s contribution to the autism and special needs community extends far beyond the creation of a program.

At its heart, his work is about changing perspectives.

It is about helping churches and communities recognize that inclusion is not simply about finding a way to accommodate someone. True inclusion means creating an environment where people are genuinely known, welcomed, valued, and celebrated.

Craig believes every person deserves to know that they belong, that their gifts matter, and that they have a meaningful purpose.

His hope for Champions Club is ultimately a hope for communities everywhere: that individuals with special needs and their families will never feel like they are simply being allowed into the room—but will know they are an important and valued part of the community.

Craig’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes a personal journey can become a much larger mission.

What began with a father wanting to better understand and support his son has become a movement helping churches create spaces where every person has a place to belong.

Craig Johnson’s Impact

Through his leadership and vision, Craig continues to encourage churches to move beyond simply accommodating families with special needs and toward creating communities where they can connect, participate, grow, and thrive.

His work reminds us that inclusion begins with seeing the person—not the diagnosis—and recognizing the unique gifts that every individual brings to the world.

🌐 Champions Club — Official WebsiteChampions Club Special Needs Ministry

👤 Craig Johnson — LinkedInCraig Johnson on LinkedIn

📖 Craig Johnson — Author & Champions Club ArticlesCraig Johnson’s Champions Club author page

⛪ Lakewood Church — Champions Club MinistryChampions Club at Lakewood Church